Arizona State Parks

$3.95 > COMPLIMENTARY Parks 2022/2023 Museums Trails YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE PARKS Night Skies Regional Maps Camping anD More! arizona State ParkS & TRAILS OFFICIAL PARTNERS SO TASTY EVERYONE WILL WANT A BITE. ©2020 Preferred Brands International. All rights reserved. Tasty Bite® has all-natural and organic ready-to-eat meals that are perfect for the trail. Look for the yellow pouch in the international aisle. tastybite.com *Keep wildlife wild; Donʼt feed the animals WELCOME A rizona’s state parks hold endless opportunities for recreation, learning and serenity. From the pine-covered slopes and iconic saguaros to the great rooms of historic buildings, courthouses, forts and more, these special places showcase the Grand Canyon State’s captivating destinations. These parks contribute much more than natural beauty, fresh air and cultural wonder. Arizona State Parks and Trails support thousands of jobs, contribute millions of dollars to our economy, and draw in visitors from all over the world. Enjoy all the outdoor adventures, preservation of historic destinations, conservation of natural resources, and the economic support in rural communities the parks provide. Thank you for joining us in Arizona’s state parks! Douglas A. Ducey Governor of the State of Arizona W elcome to Arizona’s state parks, where memories are waiting to be made, whatever your taste for adventure may be! Whether you’re visiting from out of state or you appreciate Arizona right from your doorstep, there is something for everyone at our beautiful state parks. It’s our greatest pleasure to preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources found here in the Grand Canyon State. With more than 65 years dedicated to this mission, Arizona State Parks and Trails ensures that the natural wonders and historic treasures remain for many generations to come. Discover something new and appreciate your favorite places all over again, here in Arizona’s state parks! Bob Broscheid Director, Arizona State Parks & Trails ARIZONA STATE PARKS & TRAILS 1 GEICO.COM/RV • 1-877-434-2678 • LOCAL OFFICE Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. In the state of CA, program provided through Boat Association Insurance Services, license #0H87086. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. Customer satisfaction based on an independent study conducted by Alan Newman Research, 2020. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2022 GEICO 21_782312631 CONTENTS American Park Network® publishes Oh, Ranger! ParkFinder™, OhRanger.com, and Oh, Ranger!® guides —a collection of visitor guides for public lands all across America­— and operates Oh, Ranger! Wi-Fi in parks and public lands. American Park Network is an official partner of the National Forest Foundation, National Parks Conservation Association, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, American Hiking Society and the Student Conservation Association. PRINCIPALS Mark J. Saferstein - Founder & Editor-in-Chief Joel S. Saferstein Alex Frenkel TECHNOLOGY Scott Falconer EDITORIAL / PRODUCTION Editors: Sophie Macomber, Rachael Mamane, Hira Piracha, Amanda Strube, Theo Rossi, Lori Lee, Erika Skogg Photo Editors: Wendy Willis Production Managers: Mario Arce, Walter Jeronimo Lead Designer: Dennisse Cruz Graphic Designers: Michael Cohen, , Alberto Garcia, Alejandro Jeorge, Tatiana Hurtado, Emerson Martinez ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING (212) 581-3380 adsales@americanparknetwork.com Business Development: Randy Burton, Ron Frederick, Pat Keane, Kristi Rummel American Park Network 41 East 11th Street, 11th Floor New York, NY 10003 @OhRanger FOR MORE INFORMATION Distribution requests distribution@americanparknetwork.com Oh, Ranger! Wi-Fi™ installation/sponsorship wifi@americanparknetwork.com ARIZONA STATE PARKS & TRAILS Welcome 1 Planyourvisit 4 important contacts 8 Preservation 10 history& culture 14 things to do 16 off-highwayvehicles 17 watchable wildlife 22 birdwatching 23 Camping 24 Centerfold Map water & heritage corridor 28 sedona/verde loop 36 CoPper corridor 44 cultural corridor 50 high countryloop 56 Just for kids 62 Gear upand Get ouT 63 roadtrip ideas 64 Sincere thanks to everyone at Arizona State Parks & Trails for their collaboration. Special appreciation to Game & Fish and the Arizona Office of Tourism. Cover: Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park All other photos are courtesy of Arizona State Parks & Trails unless otherwise indicated. ARIZONA STATE PARKS & TRAILS 3 PLAN YOUR VISIT T he beauty of Arizona is unparalleled in its diversity of landscapes. There’s so much to see and do in the state. Whether you have a day or several weeks, Arizona’s state parks will bring you intimately close to the state’s natural and cultural wonders. Arizona’s state parks offer a chance to see and explore the state’s incredibly diverse natural attractions and cultural exhibits. Reserve a cabin, campsite, or cave tour today at AZStateParks.com! Travel distances Many state parks are within driving distance of Arizona’s major cities, and make perfect day trip destinations. In fact, there are several state parks located within two hours of Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Tucson. See the centerfold map for a mileage chart. Operating Hours and Seasons Arizona state parks are open year-round. For specific park schedules, please visit AZStateParks.com. For information and campground and cave tour reservations, call (877) MY-PARKS. Arizona State Parks and Trails Central Office Get travel and parks information in the downtown Phoenix area at 1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85007. Entrance Fees Day use fees at the state parks range from $2 to $30. Prices may vary by season. Park Passes Arizona State Parks and Trails offers annual passes for frequent park visitors. The Standard Annual Pass allows day-use access at all Arizona state parks for the pass holder and up to three additional adults in the same vehicle, except at Buckskin Mountain, Cattail Cove, Lake Havasu, and River Island, on weekends (Friday to Sunday) and state holidays from April 1 to October 31. 4 ARIZONA STATE PARKS & TRAILS The Premium Annual Pass is geared toward boaters who want to launch their boat on the Colorado at river parks any day of the week (including weekends). The Premium Annual Pass allows the pass holder and up to three additional adults in the same vehicle day-use access to all Arizona state parks, anytime. Annual park passes are available at any state park, at the Arizona State Parks and Trails office in Phoenix, or at AZStateParks. com. Passes are good for one year from date of purchase and cannot be applied to other park fees, like camping or guided tours. The Military Discount Program provides a 50 percent day-use discount to: active duty, guard, and reserve military; Arizonaresident retired military veterans (Arizona Driver’s License address needed); and service disabled (10-90 percent or 100 percent individual unemployability) veterans (with proof of military service and a written statement of Service Connected Disability). A free day-use pass is available to all Arizona-resident 100 percent service disabled veterans (with VA-certification of 100 percent Service Connected Disability). All passes cover up to three accompanying adult family members at Arizona State Parks and Trails. Contact a park directly to receive your pass. Proof of eligibility required. Commercial Groups Commercial groups may visit the parks. For Kartchner Caverns commercial tours, call (520) 586-4109. DOWNLOAD THE ARIZONA PARKS PASSPORT From cactus and canyons to forests and forts, Arizona's parks and monuments combine scenery, history, and adventure for all ages. Discover new landscapes to explore and historic sites to experience with our Arizona Parks Passport and interactive map. HOW IT WORKS Receive a text or e-mail with a link to your passport VisitArizona.com Check-in at included locations to qualify for prizes Allow the pass to validate your location when prompted for easy check-in Group-Use Areas More than 20 Arizona state parks have group-use areas, including picnic areas and shade ramadas. See the facilities charts in the regional chapters of this guide or call the park directly for more information. Online resources Visit AZStateParks.com for upcoming events, park information, and other resources to help plan your trip. The website also provides interactive driving directions, downloadable park maps, park hours and guidelines, and categories of campsites and park histories. Find specific information on recreation parks, historic parks, or parks with particular facilities or activities on the ‘Find a Park’ tabs. Visitors to AZStateParks.com can also make campground and cabin reservations, schedule cave tours at Kartchner Caverns State Park, find information on Arizona’s Off-Highway Vehicle Program (OHV), State Trails Program, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and grant funding options. Friends Groups Arizona State Parks and Trails is supported by several dedicated non-profit organizations called Friends Groups that help sustain a variety of projects and increase awareness 6 ARIZONA STATE PARKS & TRAILS of the system’s recreational, natural, and historic resources. They contribute to building new trails, provide funding for new signs, support volunteers, provide equipment, and much more. Friends groups are associated with the following: Kartchner Caverns, Catalina, Lost Dutchman, Oracle, Red Rock, Riordan Mansion, Slide Rock, Tonto Natural Bridge, Tubac Presidio, Sonoita Creek, and Verde River Greenway. Pets Who makes a better hiking buddy than a four-legged friend? Dogs can be amazing adventurers, and Arizona State Parks and Trails welcomes pets at most parks! However, animals must be kept on a leash that does not exceed six feet at all times. Owners must also clean up after their pets. With the exception of service animals, pets are not allowed in historic buildings or museums, in cabana sites, on developed beaches, or at other environmentally or ecologically sensitive areas. Contact individual parks for information about site-specific rules. While enjoying the outdoors with your canine companions, remember that they depend completely on you for comfort and safety! When hiking during the hotter months, make sure the ground isn’t too hot and that you have ample water for both of you. Park Safety and Regulations Please review and observe the following tips, which are designed to enhance your safety and enjoyment before you head out: • Always stay on trails. Share the trail and be aware when you are on the trail. Always let someone know your hiking itinerary and when you plan to return before you start your trip. • Camp only in designated areas. • Practice Leave No Trace (LNT.org) principles: - Plan ahead and prepare. - Travel and camp on durable surfaces. - Dispose of waste properly. - Leave what you find. - Minimize campfire impacts. - Respect wildlife. - Be considerate of other visitors. - No animals (except service dogs) are allowed in historic buildings. • Never feed wildlife and always store your rations and trash securely. • When boating, always wear a personal flotation device and make sure that you have enough for everyone on your craft. ARIZONA STATE PARKS & TRAILS 7 important contacts Arizona State Parks and Trails 1-877-MY-PARKS Reservations at AZStateParks.com Off-Highway Vehicle Information (602) 542-2146 • AZStateParks.com/ohv State Historic Preservation Office (602) 542-4009 Arizona Game & Fish Department (602) 942-3000 • azgfd.com Operation Game Thief 24-hour Hotline (800) 352-0700 Fishing Regulations azgfd.com/fishing Hunting Regulations azgfd.com/hunting Arizona State Land Department (602) 542-4631 TRAVEL AND SAFETY Arizona Office of Tourism (866)-275-5816 • visitarizona.com Arizona Fire Restrictions (877) 864-6985 • azfireinfo.az.gov Arizona Highway Patrol (602) 223-2000 Arizona Road Conditions (888) 411-7623 Traveler Information Service 511 (in Arizona) • az511.gov Emergencies 911 8 ARIZONA STATE PARKS & TRAILS Visit ChoiceHotels.com/Explore/West or call 1-877-424-6423 to get our lowest price guaranteed.** Visit ChoiceHotels.com/Explore/West or call 1-877-424-6423 to get our lowest price guaranteed.** *Rate Restrictions: Valid only for Choice Privileges members (program enrollment is f ree). The reservation must be made on ChoiceHotels.com at participating hotels and must be made at least 7, 14, 21 or 30 days in advance, which will vary based on the hotel for which a reservation is being made. Subject to availability, the rate starts at 15% off Best Available Rate, is non-cancellable, non-changeable and non-refundable. Your credit card will be charged for the total reservation amount within 24-48 hours of booking. This rate has a seven (7) night maximum length of stay. Rooms at this discount are limited. Offer is not available to groups and cannot be combined with any other discount. Choice Hotels reserves the right to change or discontinue this offer at any time. Eligibility restricted to U.S. and Canadian residents. Members must book direct at ChoiceHotels.com/Explore/West or call 1-877-424-6423. All Choice Hotels properties are independently owned and operated. **Guarantee applies to Third Party Website standard rates for a Choice single or double occupancy room that are at least 1% and $1.00 less than the Choice rate. Claims must be submitted within 24 hours of booking and 48+ hours prior to 6 PM check-in time the day of hotel arrival. Other terms also apply; see www.choicehotels.com/legal/best-rate-rules for full terms and conditions. ©2022 Choice Hotels International. All rights reserved. PRESERVATION T hank you for taking care of our parks! We invite you to apply the seven core Leave No Trace principles (LNT.org) during your travels. You can make a difference by (1) Planning ahead and preparing. (2) Traveling and camping on durable surfaces. (3) Disposing of waste properly. (4) Leaving what you find. (5) Minimizing campfire impacts. (6) Respecting wildlife. And (7) Being considerate of other visitors. Please read more below and about our ongoing charts at AZStateParks.com Natural Areas Arizona State Parks and Trails is responsible for more than 64,000 acres of parklands, about half of which are designated as Natural Areas. The State Natural Areas preserve and protect “parcels of land or water that contain examples of unique natural terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems, rare species of plants and animals andunusual or outstanding geologic or hydrologic features.” These sites contain critical ecological communities supporting rare and sensitive flora and fauna, serving as a base for studying natural resources and provide an indispensable link to Arizona’s natural heritage. There are currently three designated State Natural Areas (SNA): Sonoita Creek, Verde River Greenway, and San Rafael. Additionally, several parklands contain substantial natural features that contribute to regional ecological processes and meet the criteria for Natural Areas within an existing park. Arizona State Parks and Trails works with a broad range of partners to help protect these Natural Areas for future generations. A Natural Area success story, the Gila top minnow, a rare species of native Arizona fish, now has a better chance to thrive at Sonoita Creek SNA. The spring-fed pools here are home to one of the largest remaining wild populations of the endangered top minnows. 10 ARIZONA STATE PARKS & TRAILS The Verde River Greenway SNA, a stretch of the Verde River located in Yavapai County, is a Natural Area workin- progress. It was originally identified in the late 1980s as a critical portion of the river based on its rich natural and cultural resources as well as a growing demand for recreational use. In 2006, the Arizona State Parks Board expanded the Verde River Greenway Project beyond the original six-mile stretch to encompass 30 miles of riparian wildlife corridor. In tandem with the expanded Greenway vision, additional land will soon be added to the Greenway to protect the habitats of the southwestern willow flycatcher and bald eagle. annual return of the bats D uring March, the rangers at Kartchner Caverns State Park turn their attention to warm, furry, little creatures that fly the summer night skies. Eagerly anticipating the return of a small colony of Myotis velifer, or the common cave bat, rangers scan the evening sky to catch a glimpse of the first tiny bats returning to their summer home. Though nobody knows for sure where the colony spends their winter, rangers suspect they may hibernate in caves located high in the Huachuca Mountains, only about 40 miles away from the park. About 1,000 bats live in part of the caverns seasonally each year. Rangers at Kartchner Caverns State Park count the bats each summer, and the data show that the colony is maintaining its population. In 2001, the count was about 900. In 2003, that number had doubled. The population has fluctuated since. In 2015, the population was 1,086; in 2016, the population was 2,131. The bat population numbers can vary annually for many reasons. The biggest known factors are climate, specifically precipitation, amounts, as well as food source. In this case, bugs and lots of them! During the summer, Cave Unit staff count the bats once a week by climbing down into the sinkhole—the only natural entrance to the cave—at twilight, with a hand-held counter. As the bats leave their home that night, the rangers sit quietly in darkness and count each one they see. The Cave Manager says that the colony’s population fluctuates with the amount of rain the region receives each year because rainfall affects the insect population, and “When we’ve got bugs, we’ve got bats.” Each year on April 15, Cave Unit staff close all the doors to the Big Room, turn out the lights, and even pull out the electrical plugs to be sure no lights come on during summer. They will not enter that part of the cave until late September, after the bats have migrated away. The Big Room re-opens to the public on October 15. The Rotunda/Throne tour, which has no bats, stays open year-round. During the summer, the colony of bats is busy giving birth, raising their pups, and teaching them to fly and hunt. The rangers feel good about honoring the privacy of the bats, knowing these creatures are continuing their life cycles, which have existed here for thousands of years. The annual return of the bats to Kartchner Caverns State Park is a major indicator that the efforts made by the park rangers to protect the cave environment are working. ARIZONA STATE PARKS & TRAILS 11 Invasive Species Invasive species in Arizona are a serious and growing problem. They represent a significant threat to the economic and ecological health of the state. These non-native species can cause harm to the local ecosystem, and may even jeopardize human and economic health. Many non-native species have been introduced intentionally, while othersh ave hitchhiked on boats, commercial transports, pets, humans, livestock, and automobiles. Regardless of how they reached Arizona, these invaders spread into parks, preserves, wildlife refuges, and urban spaces. The Arizona Invasive Species Advisory Council (AISAC) has developed an initial working list of plants that pose a significant threat to Arizona’s wildlands, and has made the development of a nonnative wildlife species list a high priority. 12 ARIZONA STATE PARKS & TRAILS Invasive aquatic fauna species include bullfrogs, crayfish, red-eared sliders and non-native fishes. One of the latest invasive species to arrive in Arizona is the quagga mussel, a disruptive invader and cousin of the zebra mussel, which is spread by boats. Invasive plant species disrupt local ecosystems by displacing native plants and add potential fuel to wildfires. Invasive plant species found in Arizona include buffel grass, fountain grass, globe chamomile (stinknet), and puncturevine (goatheads). Be aware and help stop the spread of invasive s pecies. Assist resource managers in combating invasive species in Arizona by being aware that you, a trail user, boater, outdoor enthusiast, home gardener, traveler by plane, car, or bicycle, could potentially transport these species. PACIFICO IS COMMITTED TO HELPING PRESERVE WHAT MAKES THE OUTDOORS WORTH EXPLORING. * *PACIFICO HAS DONATED $500,000 THROUGH 2022. DISCOVER RESPONSIBLY™. PACIFICO CLARA® BEER. IMPORTED BY CROWN IMPORTS, CHICAGO, IL. HISTORY & CULTURE W ith its unique landscapes, destinations, habitats, and cultures, Arizona offers something for everyone. Today, more than seven million Arizonans live in places as varied as metropolitan Phoenix and Oraibi on the Hopi Mesas, one of the longest continuously-inhabited communities in North America. There are thousands of reminders of earlier lives, including ancient Native American settlements to like those at Homolovi State Park and Walnut Canyon National Monument. Native Americans Native Americans have been living in Arizona for at least 12,000 years. During the last Ice Age, “Paleoindian” bands moved about the landscape, gathering edible plants and hunting game. The end of the Pleistocene epoch corresponded with dramatic ecological changes, which triggered lifestyle adjustments. About 4,000 years ago, these groups learned about maize. Over time, some of them became reliant on agriculture, which led to greater sedentism, rising populations, and growing social complexity. New archaeological traditions developed in different parts of the Southwest, based on available resources, climate, and proximity to neighboring groups. During the first millennium CE, the largest of these were the Hohokam, Anasazi, Mogollon, and Patayan (or Hakataya). The Hohokam tradition dominated much of central and southern Arizona. Early on, people in Hohokam communities lived in “pithouses.” Later, Hohokam villages had apartment-like compounds and giant platform mounds, like Pueblo Grande (in Phoenix), Mesa Grande (in Mesa), and Casa Grande National Monument (in Coolidge). The Anasazi (or Ancestral Puebloan) tradition was centered in the Four Corners region. They too lived in pithouses early on, but later switched to pueblos built of 14 ARIZONA STATE PARKS & TRAILS stone. These include cliff-dwellings, such as at Montezuma’s Castle National Monument and those in Canyon de Chelly. The Mogollon culture area included eastern Arizona and their early sites are similar to early Hohokam sites, while later Mogollon settlements resemble later Anasazi villages. Mogollon sites include Shoefly Village and Rattlesnake Point. Patayan (or Hakataya) culture area lies in the riverine lowlands of western Arizona, along the lower Gila and Colorado rivers. Although Patayan communities did rely on agricul ture, they lived in smaller groups. Patayan communities were similar to Hohokam settlements, but on a smaller and more mobile scale. Late in prehistory, Southwestern Indian communities experienced demographic change, including migration, dispersion, and coalescence. In the Hohokam area, some families dispersed across the landscape. Their descendants include the Akimel O’odham, Tohono O’odham, and Piipaash. Those descended from the Patayan tradition include the Cocopah, Quechan, and Chemehuevi. In the Anasazi and Mogollon areas, it seems that most people left their small villages and moved to very large settlements or settlement clusters. These include Hopi, Zuni, and the “Eastern Pueblos” along the northern Rio Grande. While these changes were occurring, new people were arriving in the Southwest. Southern Athapaskan groups came down from the sub-arctic and eventually split into bands of what we know today as Navajo and Apache. Yuman-speaking Pai Indians – the ancestors of today’s Yavapai, Hualapai, and Havasupai – may have come from the Great Basin or Lower Colorado River, and spread throughout northern and western Arizona. Ancestral sites are not the only windows into our state’s Native American history. Visitors can explore military outposts like Fort Verde State Historic Park and Fort Bowie National Historic Site, where soldiers and Indian Scouts lived while fighting during the Indian Wars of the late 19th century. They can also visit modern testaments to recent Native American history, such as the Navajo Code Talker Memorial in Phoenix, or the Tohono O’odham Himdaag Ki cultural center in Topawa. Spanish Explorers and Missionaries On the Tohono O’odham reservation south of Tucson stands the San Xavier del Bac Mission, built for Father Eusebio Kino in 1700 and still in use today. The Jesuit missionary accompanied the Spanish invasion of what is now Arizona, pulsing north out of Mexico between 1540 and 1821. The Spanish established a chain of missions, forts, towns, and ranches throughout the region. One of the early Spanish forts was Tubac Presidio, now a state historic park. Several of our state parks owe a portion of their history to Spanish exploration, including Jerome State Historic Park and San Rafael State Natural Area. Mexican Influence After gaining independence from Spain in 1821, Mexico claimed governorship of Arizona until the United States gained control of the region following the Mexican-American War of 1846–48. Regardless of such changes, Arizona has always been influenced by other cultures, including Mesoamerican societies, Spain, and Mexico. Today, those with Hispanic ancestry account for about 31 percent of Arizona’s residents. Westward Expansion The arrival of the railroad in 1881 opened the state to mass settlement. Construction of Roosevelt Dam on the Salt River in 1911 and Hoover Dam on the Colorado River in 1935 harnessed the waterways for hydroelectric power generation and the use of desert lands for agricultural and urban uses. World War II opened the state to industrial development, and the post-war era of suburban growth transformed Phoenix into one of the largest cities in America. ARIZONA STATE PARKS & TRAILS 15 THINGS TO DO A rizona’s state parks and natural areas are rich in diverse and exciting recreational and educatonal opportunities. Visitors can hike from Cottonwood to Sedona on the historic Lime Kiln Trail, cruise under the London Bridge of Lake Havasu, or camp among towering saguaros in Catalina State Park. In the summer, head to higher elevations to cool off in Arizona’s natural water slide at Slide Rock State Park. Here are a few highlights by activity and features. Park Programs Learning can be fun; let the parks be your classroom! Many parks offer guided hikes and nature talks or history programs about the area. Have you always wanted to hike by the light of a full moon? Or learn about some of the early survival methods used by the Sinagua Indians over 1,000 years ago? Star Parties and astronomy events with high-powered telescopes have become a popular program at many state parks. For more information, check the Arizona State Parks and Trails calendar at AZStateParks.com/events, or contact the park directly. Bicycling Arizona offers a wide-variety of road and trail riding throughout the state, with some of the best year-round riding weather in southern Arizona. Bikes are welcome at Arizona state parks. Exploer the parks’ roads by bike, ride, on the designated mountain bike trails, or tour from park to park. Hiking Arizona State Parks and Trails boast more than 160 miles of hiking trails. A great way to experience them is the Lime Kiln Trail, which links Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood with Red Rock State Park in Sedona. The trail is about 15 miles and follows the old Lime Kiln wagon trail. Many state parks offer great hiking. Trails at Catalina State Park, located within the Coronado National Forest near Tucson, 16 ARIZONA STATE PARKS & TRAILS wind through ruins, perennial pools, and a variety of vegetation. Giant sun-bleached boulders crowd saguaros, creosote, and mesquite. The trails go to Mount Lemmon, Sabino and West Fork to provide a gallery of masterpieces. At Oracle State Park, you can connect to the Arizona Trail, an 800-mile trail stretching through Arizona from Mexico to Utah. Hike to the 3,374-foot summit of Picacho Peak State Park, situated between Phoenix and Tucson, for a birds-eye view of the desert. Dead Horse Ranch State Park, in the Verde Valley north of Phoenix, offers a diverse, multi-use trail system for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Lyman Lake State Park in northeastern Arizona provides a unique opportunity to walk back in time on the Petroglyph Trail. Horseback Riding Nothing evokes the Old West as much as saddling up a horse and hitting the trail, whether you’re taking in the scenic Verde River or the desert’s myriad cacti. You can visit Dead Horse Ranch State Park and Catalina State Park, both offer horseback riding and an equestrian staging area with the option for overnight horse camping. Hunting Contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department at (602) 942-3000 or visit azgfd. com for more information. Hunting is not allowed on State Park property. OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES A rizona State Parks, in partnership with the Off-Highway Vehicle Ambassadors and the State off-highway vehicle clubs, offers an exciting program to help people explore the hidden parts of Arizona. Whether you are new to OHV or just want to learn the best places to ride, exciting free guided rides on trails around the state are offered throughout the year! These Show Me Rides provide a statewide opportunity to experience new and exciting areas to ride while in a friendly group setting. Check AZStateParks.com/OHV for information on upcoming rides, information, or trails. “long draw” Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest 30-mile loop for highlegal/licensed vehicles, located on the Mogollon Rim... (928) 535-7300 OHV Site Locations FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ALL DESIGNATED OHV AREAS IN THE STATE, VISIT AZSTATEPARKS.COM/WHERE-TO-RIDE ARIZONA STATE PARKS & TRAILS 17 Before heading out on the trail, make sure you check out the rules, safety tips, and ways to ride responsibly in the state. RECREATE RESPONSIBLY When traveling backcountry throughout Arizona, we all have a responsibility to the environment, to others and ourselves. Using the backcountry for solitude, recreation, and adventure is an Arizona tradition going back hundreds of years. Everyone using the state’s public lands should do their part to ensure that these lands remain available to future generations to enjoy. Many areas attract a variety of different kinds of backcountry users. Practice minimum impact and common courtesy. Planning and common sense will improve your backcountry experience. Travel within the ability of your equipment and your fitness to handle changing weather conditions. Use only trails and routes that you know are legally open, and are dry enough to be suitable for travel. By choosing your time to use the backcountry carefully, such as early morning or weekdays, you can avoid crowds in high-use OHV Decals All off-highway vehicles designed by the manufacturer primarily for use over unimproved terrain and that weigh 2,500 pounds or less are required by law to display a valid OHV decal to operate on public and state trust lands in Arizona. This includes “street legal” vehicles that meet these two requirements. A step-by-step guide for purchasing a non-resident OHV decal is available at AZStateParks.com/OHV. To get started, you’ll need to sign up for an Arizona Game and Fish Department Portal account at Accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register. Decals can only be purchased t